LOS ANGELES — Sergio Busquets picked out his pass to Lionel Messi near midfield. Messi saw a streaking Jordi Alba and delivered it on a platter. Alba calmly put it in the back of the net.
Flashbacks of Barcelona days as the old friends combined for a textbook goal that surely made David Beckham and Inter Miami ownership smile. That combination was the second goal of Miami’s eventual 3-1 win over reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC at a sold out BMO Stadium.
Lionel Messi helps Inter Miami overcome LAFC as they chase an MLS Eastern conference playoff spot.Inter Miami leave BMO Stadium at Los Angeles on a positive note thanks to a pair of assists from Lionel Messi
In front of a star studded crowd at BMO Stadium that included Prince Harry, Inter Miami put on another Hollywood performance, dismantling Los Angeles FC 3-1 on Sunday night. Facundo Farias scored his first Inter Miami goal and Lionel Messi assisted on two goals in the second half as Inter Miami’s counter attack was too much for the Black and Gold. LAFC had their chances but between Drake Callender coming up with huge saves and bad decision-making by Denis Bouanga on breakaways, Steve Cherundolo’s team wasn’t able to put it all together when it mattered most.
Those same shirts, along with some No. 10 from Argentina and Barcelona took up a large majority of the crowd in L.A.
Late in the 2nd half a pitch invader wearing the Barca shirt tried his luck to get close to Messi but was met by security. Not too long after Messi headed towards the stands to take a corner kick and waved at fans met by a roaring applause.
LAFC could have one of the best fanbases in the league, but not even their boisterous support could stop this freight train. In the 83rd minute Messi picked up his 2nd assist of the night, giving Leonardo Campana an easy goal after taking advantage of defender Aaron Long slipping. The celebration roar would’ve fooled anybody to think they were in South Florida. Messi chants broke out as some of the locals headed for the exit.
Ryan Hollingshead got his consolation for a solid game as he headed home a goal off a corner kick in the 90th minute.
L.A. is a city where people come to make their dreams come true. Inter Miami’s hope of making a miraculous playoff push remains alive after their trip to California.
And since Messi has arrived, they have yet to lose a game. Not even a Hollywood script could compete with this.
*Inter Miami have NEVER won or scored against Los Angeles.*